Striving For Excellence - Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation
The Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation, Inc.(CFA) selected the Fort Lauderdale Police Department as one of ten pilot agencies to undergo the accreditation process.
Set to the same professional tone as accreditation programs required for schools, universities, and hospitals, the law enforcement accreditation program is recognized as a means of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.
The accreditation certificate is awarded by an independent reviewing committee who conducts an on-site evaluation of the agencies policies, procedures and practices. The agency must meet hundreds of specific requirements and proscribed standards. The criteria--or standards--by which agencies are measured specify what should be addressed in agency policies and procedures. The standards evaluate all facets of an agency including administration, internal affairs operations, investigations, patrol, personnel, prisoner and court security, traffic, use of police force, and more.
The Certificate of Accreditation is awarded for a three year period.
Attaining accredited status demonstrates to the community that an agency is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional law enforcement service. Fully compatible with the community policing philosophy, accreditation encourages greater cooperation and communication between citizens and law enforcement.
In May, 1996, the Fort Lauderdale Police Department was one of the pilot agencies chosen by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. We amended or added more than 100 policies and procedures in order to comply with the required 244 standards.
In April 1998, three law enforcement professionals from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation came to FLPD. For three days the assessors scrutinized and inspected our police department including our policies, procedures, physical plant, security, records, and much more. After an exhausting examination, the team of assessors revealed they would recommend to the Commission that we be awarded accredited status.
In May 1998, in a ceremony at a regular Commission meeting, the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation awarded the Fort Lauderdale Police Department our hard-earned Certificate of Accreditation.
Achieving accreditation through the Commission on Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation will demonstrate our continuing commitment to professionalism and excellence in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department. The Fort Lauderdale Police Department has proudly maintained the status as a State Accredited Agency.
Florida Police Accreditation Coalition
The Florida Police Accreditation Coalition (Fla-PAC) is a group of accreditation managers and team members who are dedicated to assisting law enforcement agencies in their accreditation quest. The Fla-PAC is involved in the CALEA, CFA, and ACA accreditation processes.
Fla-PAC meets three times a year around the state. During the meetings new information regarding the process is passed along to accreditation teams. Information sharing is big part of the conference as is file review. In addition, it is the Fla-PAC that provides assessors for mock inspections.